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Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
Embattled GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales Ends Re-Election Bid Amid Calls To Resign
The three-term Texas congressman is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with a former staff member who later died by suicide.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with a former member of his staff, announced Thursday that he will not be seeking re-election. Gonzales' decision comes just days after a primary challenger forced him into a runoff race amid the controversy, and as he has faced bipartisan calls to resign from Congress.
Why it matters
The allegations against Gonzales have triggered backlash from members of his own party, who have demanded his resignation. The case highlights the ongoing challenges around sexual misconduct allegations involving elected officials and the impact it can have on their political careers.
The details
Gonzales is accused of having an affair with one of his former staff members, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who committed suicide by setting herself on fire outside her home in September. Gonzales has denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was being 'blackmailed.' However, another former Gonzales staffer alleged that Santos-Aviles was having an affair with the congressman, and shared messages from the deceased ex-staffer admitting to the 'affair with our boss.' The news outlet also published additional alleged text messages between the lawmaker and his ex-staffer, in which Gonzales appears to ask Santos-Aviles for a 'sexy pic,' and she refuses.
- Gonzales was accused of having an affair with one of his former staff members, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who committed suicide in September 2025.
- Gonzales announced his decision not to seek re-election on March 6, 2026, just days after a primary challenger forced him into a runoff race amid the controversy.
The players
Tony Gonzales
A three-term Republican congressman from Texas who is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with a former member of his staff.
Regina Ann Santos-Aviles
A former staff member of Congressman Gonzales who committed suicide by setting herself on fire outside her home in September 2025, allegedly after having an affair with the congressman.
Brandon Herrera
A pro-gun YouTuber known by his online handle 'TheAKGuy' who secured more votes than Gonzales in the primary and forced the race into a runoff.
What they’re saying
“After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election.”
— Tony Gonzales, Congressman (Forbes)
“This is going too far boss.”
— Regina Ann Santos-Aviles (San Antonio Express-News)
What’s next
The House Ethics Committee investigation into the allegations against Gonzales is ongoing, and the outcome of that probe will likely have a significant impact on the future of his political career.
The takeaway
The case of Rep. Tony Gonzales highlights the ongoing challenges around sexual misconduct allegations involving elected officials and the impact it can have on their political careers. The allegations have led to bipartisan calls for his resignation, and his decision to withdraw from the re-election race underscores the serious consequences such allegations can have.
